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Cancer patients 'made to wait 6 months for benefits'

At least 4,500 cancer patients have been left waiting six months or more for their disability benefits because of delays to assessments, according to a cancer charity. The claims have been questioned by welfare officials.

50% of cancer patients 'dissatisfied' with PIP process

Almost half of cancer patients are unhappy with the process of obtaining the new Personal Independence Payment benefit.

Macmillan Cancer Support said their survey showed 47% of patients were dissatisfied with the process - a third because of the delays and almost a quarter (23%) because of "poor communication from the Department for Work and Pensions.

Cancer sufferers have criticised the Department for Work and Pensions over benefits delays. Credit: Kirsty Wigglesworth/PA Archive/Press Association Images

Macmillan's head of policy Duleep Allirajah said: "Our report shows the real and shattering impact of these PIP delays are having on cancer patients.

"It is unacceptable that people struggle to heat their homes, are saddled with debt or are left anxious or depressed because they are waiting so long for their much-needed benefits."